Exercising machine



March 17, 1931. J. D. BELL 1,795,632

EXERCISING MACHINE Filed June 19, 1929 2 Sheets$heet 1 March 17, 1931. J BELL EXERCISING MACHINE Filed June 19, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR, JOSEPH D. BELL. i

Patented Mar. 17, 1931 PATENT oFFics JOSEPH I). BELL, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA EXERCISING MACHINE Application filed June .19,

The invention relates to exercising devices. The primary obj ect of the invention is the provision of an exercising device in which i a. rocking movement of a seat supporting frame and a rotary movement of a rotary member of the device is caused either by the shifting of the weight on the rocking frame 7 or by the rotation of said member.

Another object of the invention is the pro- 1 1 vi ion of an exercising device in which a seat is mounted on a rocking frame, on a tricyclelilre mechanism, so c s to rock about a horizontal axis; the rocking frame being operatively connected to thetraction wheels of the tri- 15. cyclelilce mechanism, so as to produce a simultaneous rocking of the frame and the rotation of the wheels by the shifting of the weight on the rocking frame.-

Another object of the invention isthe provision of an exercising device in which a rocking frame causes the turning of the crank:

thereby rotating the traction wheels, in other words, the rotation of the wheels. and the so rocking ofthe rocking frame is produced simultaneously by the same motive force, means being provided to prevent the traction of the wheels, so as to support the device in one place at will.

Other objects and advantages are to provide an exercising machine that will be superior in point of simplicity, inexpensiveness of construction, positiveness of operation, and facility and convenience in use and general efliciency.

In this specification and the annexed drawings, the invention is illustrated in the form considered to be the best, but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such form, because it maybe embodiedin other forms; and it is also to be understood that in and by the claims following the de scription, it is desired to cover the invention in whatsoever iorm it maybe embodied.

1929. Serial No. 372,020.

The invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which- Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the exercising device;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of the rear end of the device;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a modified form of the rear end of the device;

Fig. 4; is a fragmentary detail view of a support for the traction wheels of the device;

Fig. 5 is a side view of a modified form of the device, in whichthe traction wheels are the front wheels;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the device shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is another embodiment of the exercising device; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary detail view of an embodiment of the device, in which the levorage of the rocking f 'ame is adjustable.

In carrying out my invention I make use of tricycle-lilre mechanism A, upon which is roelrably mounted a rocking frame 13. s

The mechanism A is assembled on a main frame 6, the rear end of which is formed in the shape of a loop 7, from which extend outwardly, bearing 8. An axle 9 is rotatably supported in the bearings 8. Upon each end of the axle 9 is fixedly mounted a rear wheel 11 of the tricycle, so as to rotate with the axle 9. The axle 9 has a gear 12 fixedly attached thereto, within the loop frame 7. In said loop frame 7 are also journaled gearslS and l l in mesh with each other. The gear 13 and the gear 12 are also in mesh, so that the three gears form a train of gears comprising the smallest gear 12, a larger gear 13 and the larqest gear l l, effecting a certain .3 ratio of transmission.

On the front end of the main frame 6 is formed a vertical bearii'ig bracket 16 in which is mounted the usual manner a steering post 17 provided on the upper end with a handle bar 18. At the lower end thereof, the post 17 is bifurcated and in the ends of the branches 19 of the bifurcated post is mounted a front axle 21 for a front wheel 22, the latter being disposed between the branches 19.

In order to drive the tricycle mechanism,

r of each sprin O rotary motion is imparted to the largest gear 14, thru cranks 23. The cranks 23 are fixedly secured upon the shaft of the gear 14, one on each side of the loop frame 7. It is to be noted that the cranks 23 extend in parallelism with each other. I

The cranks are operatively connected to the rocking frame B, so as to corelate the rocking and rotating movements of the exercising device. The rocking frame comprises a rocking post 24 having a clevis 26 on the lower end thereof, which is pivotally attached to the main frame 6 at a point intermediate the ends of the frame 6. The pivoting of the clevis 26 allows the rocking of the rocking post at about a horizontal axis, namely the pivot of theclevis'. On the upper end of the rocking post 24 is pivotally secured a rocking seat 27 intermediate its ends, so as to be fulcrum ed on the said upper end of the rocking post 24. The front end of the rocking seat 27 1s bifurcated and extends beyond the steering post 17. From the ex- I treme front end of the rocking seat 27 pivot ally depend pedal bars 28 carrying foot'rests 29 on the lower ends thereof. Eachpedal oar 28 has an end of a link 31 pivotally at 'tached to an intermediate point thereof.

The links 31 extend rearwardly and have the rear ends thereof pivoted on the ends of arms 32. The other end of tl e'arms 32 are fixedly secured to stub shafts 33, which latter'in turn are fiXQCl in the ends of the respective cranks 23. Thus the position of the levers 32 relatively to the cranks 23 is listed at a certain angle as shown'in 1. The levers 32 are outside of the cranks 23 and are spaced from the ends thereofso as to allow the pivoting of a rocking bar 34: on each shaft 33, and between each crank 23 and lever 32. 'The rocking bars 3 l-eritend up wardly and the upper ends thereof are pivotally attached to the lower surface of the seat 27. It is to be noted that the rear end of therocking seat 2? is enlarged to provide ample supporting surface thereat.

transmitted thru the levers 32 to the cranks 23, whereby thecranks 23 and the gear 14 is;

rotated in a clockwise direction .viewinglfig. 1. During the upward turning of the cranks 23 the rocking bar 34: is lifted so as to raise the rear end of the seat 27. After the cranks The rock. in bars 34 are ur 'ed rearwardl b rin 's c a; J a: 36. One end of each spring 36 is attached 36 is secured to a fixed bracket 23pass the upper dead center, the weight is shifted upon the rear end of the seat 27, by sitting thereon, thus relieving the weightfrom the foot rest 28. The force thuseX- erted upon the rear of the seat 27 forces the rocking bar 34 downwardly and turns the cranks 23 further in clockwise direction, and against the action of the spring 36. Thus, the links 31 are pulled rearwardly bringing the pedal bars 23 back to their original position.- ln order to allow'free rocking of the entire frame B, the rocking post as is .so disposed that it swings rearwardly when the pedal bars 23 are swung forwardly and it swings forwardly when the weight on the seat 27 lowers therearend of said seat.

ltis to be furher noted that the seat 27 is swungrearwardly by the post 24 when the rear of theseat is *aised, and that it is swung forward when the seat is lowered. Thusthe resulting movement of the seat is ahorizontal in a clockwise rotation viewing Fig. 1. If

the traction wheels 11 rest on the floor-the whole device isdriven'forward inthe manner of tricycles. r

in some instances it is desirable to have the exercising device remain in one place, while taking the exercises, and that is accomplished by supporting the traction wheels 11 in an elevated position, oil the ground. For this purpose I provide floor brackets 38, upon which are supported the rear bearings 8 in an elevated position. Thus the wheels 11 have no tractive action; .l Vhen the rear wheels 11 are thus elevatechtheir, momentum is increased by the securing of a weight 39 upon the rim of one or both of the wheels 11, so as to aid in the turning of the crank 23over the upper dead center.

It is to be understood that when the rear wheels 11 are in elevated position, the device may be operated if so desired, by rotating the rear wheels 11 or axle 9, thereby causmg the rocking of the seat 27, so as to impart av forced rocking action to the exercising device, independent of the shifting of the wei 'hts by the person taking the exercise. a

lne form or wheel support shown in Fig. l,

comprises rollers ll on floor brackets 42 which engage the traction wheels 11 frictionally, and this form may be used either to merely elevate the wheels 11 out of traction position or the rollers 451 may be rotated in any conventional manner so as to drive the wheels 11, thereby effecting the aforementioned forced rocking of the seat 27 In the modified embodiment of the exiii:

memes:

branches 43 of which are pivoted upon the rear axle E]. A bolt 44 extends upwardly from the frame 6 and thru the middle of the lever 42 so that the lever 42 is slida-ble on the bolt 44. A spring 45 is coiled around the bolt 44 pressing against the frame 6 and against thelever 42, so as to urge the lever 42 away from the frame 6. The head 46 of the bolt 44 limits the upward movement of the lever 42. The movement of the lever 42 is fulcrumed around the axle 9. Springs 47 have their ends attached to the respective rocking bars 34 and to the rear of the frame 6 so as to urge the bars 34 rearwardly. The gear 12 1s mounted on the axle 9 as m the t first described form, but the gears 13 and 14 are journaled in the lever 4 and move therewith. The gears 12, 13 and 14 are always in mesh in spite of the slight pivotal. movement of the lever 42. This modified construction provides a resilient support for the seat 27 by reason of the resilient supporting of the lower end of the rocking post 24. Another embodlment of the invention is shown in F1gs. 5 and6. In this embodiment the frame 51 is bent upwardly at the rear end thereof, having a vertical bearing bracket 52 formed thereat in which is mounted a steering post53; the latter has the usual fork at the lower end thereof, in which is rotatably mounted a rear wheel 56. In this embodiment the rear wheel is the steering I wneel.

The front end of the frame 51 is formed in the shape of a loop 57, on which are bearlugs 58 extending outwardly from each side thereof. In the bearings 58 is rotatable a front axle 59, to the opposite ends of which are fixedly attached front traction wheels 61. lVithin the loop 57, a sprocket 62 is fixed upon the axle 59, which is driven thru a chain 63 by a driving gear 64, the latter being mounted within the rear end of the loop 57 A shaft 66 of the gear 64 extends beyond the opposite sides of the loop 57 i and has acrank 67 fixed to each end thereof.

a rocker mechanism in which a rocker arm 74 of the shape shown in Fig. 5 is employed. This rocker arm 74 is bent upwardly at both ends so as to form a lowermost bar portion 76, which is held in a comparatively short rocking post 77, thelatter in turn being piv-- oted on a horizontal pin 78, on the frame 51, intermediate the ends of the frame. The rear end of the rocker arm 74 has a seat 75 secured thereto upon which rests the buttock of the party taking the exercise. The front end of the rocker arm 74 has a substantially U-shaped pedal bar 81 pivoted thereto, so

the the legs of the bar 81 extend to the respective ends of the cranks 67, and are pivoted to pins 82. The pins 82 are fixed in the outer ends of the cranks 67 and are of sufllcient length to receive on the outer ends thereof, levers 83. A lever 83 is fixed upon each pin 82 outside of the pivoted end of the respective legs of the pedal bar 81. Thus the angular relation of the lovers to the cranks 67 is fixed. On the end of each lever 83 is the usual foot support 84, upon which rest the feet of the party using the device. It is apparent that the buttock is to the rear of the rocker post 77, while the feet are in the front thereof, consequently the alternate shifting of the weight from the buttock to the feet and vice versa, causes the back and forth and up and down rocking of the rocker arm 7 4 around the horizontal axis of the rocker post 77. The weight is shifted on the feet until the crank 67 is caused to pass the lower dead center in contracloclnvise direction viewing Fig. 5, whereupon the shifting of the weight on the buttock and upon the seat 79 rocks the rocker arm 74 rearwardly, raising the front end thereof, whereby the pedal bar 81 is pulled upwardly, further rotating the crank 67 until it passes the upper dead center. In this manner the rocking motion of the rocker arm 74 and of the post 77 is producing a rotary movement of the sprocket 64 and drives the front wheels 61. The front wheels are usually elevated off the ground, in the manner heretofore set forth, when the exercising device is used in one place, and no propulsion is desired.

Another structural embodiment of my exercising device is illustrated in Fig. 7. The tricycle structure of this embodiment is substantially the same as the tricycle mechanism A, in Fig. 1. It is the rocking mechanism that is modified. A comparatively short rocker post 86 is pivoted on a horizontal pin 87 on the frame 6 intermediate the ends of the latter. From this rocker post 86 extends a rearwardly and upwardly curved rocker arm 88, to the real-most end of which is secured the usual seat, not shown. To an intermediate point of the rocker arm 88 is pivoted a U-shaped rocker bar 89 the ends of which are pivoted on the short shafts 33 of the cranks 23. A U-shaped pedal bar 91 is swingably mounted in a bracket 92 which latter extends forwardly from the steering post bearing bracket 16. At the lower ends of the pedal bar 91 are attachedthe foot rests or supports 29. each leg of the pedal bar 91 is connected to the cute endof the respective lever 32 by a link 93 in the manner described in connection with'the first embodimentof the invention. T .e links 93 are suitably curved for the transmission of the forward pull from the pedal bar 91.

V buttock until the crank 23 has passed the each lever 94 has a plurality or holes lower dead center, whereupon the weight is shiftedfrom thebuttock to the feet so as to pull the link 93 forward, thereby to turn the crank :23 in a clockwise direction viewing Fig. 7, until it has passed the lower dead center. Thus the rear traction Wheels are rotated, and the exercising device is operated in the manner described.

The lever go of the rocker bar 89 or of the bars 34: is made adjustable by the'structure shown in Fig. 8, wherein a lever 9 is interposed between'each lower end ofrone bar 89 and the respective ends of the cranks The these 94., intermediate the innermost hole 97 and the fulcrum of the lever 94. The operation of 40 this device accomplishedin the same manner as those of the other embodiments. It will be recognizes that particularly facile and efficient exercising device is provided, in which a rocking motion is produced.

bv the alternate shifting of the weight from the buttock to the feet of the exercising pen.v

son, therocking movement thus produced rotates an inert body, when the traction wheels of the device areelevated off the ground, or the rocking movement is utilized as a driving force to rotate the traction wheels of a ve- 'hicle, such as the tricycle mechanism described. The exercising device is simple and rugged in constr .ct-ion and positive in oper-. ation; it does not require any careful setting up or adjustment, therefore it readily lends itself to effective application by any person who desires to take such exercise.

Having thus described this invention, w -at I claim and desire to secure by Letters ?at out is: r v

1. An exercising device comprised of a frame having driven wheels thereon; a seat mounted to rock on a horizontal axis on said frame; awheel rotating mechanism on said An intermediate point of The weight is shifted on the.

frame; a crank connected to said wheel rotat-f mounted to rock on a horizontal axis on saidframe; a wheel rotatingmechanism on said frame; a crank connected to said wheel rotatmechanism on opposite sides thereof; a lever connected to the seat on one side of its rocking axis and connected to the crank and an articulated lever connected to the seat on the other side of its rocking axis and connected to the crank whereby the rocking ac-.

tion of the seat thru the levers thereon produces rotary motion of the crank-and wheel rotating mechanism; a wheel turnably mounted on the frame; and steering means connected to, said wheel.

8. An exercising device comprised of a frame; a member pivoted in relation to said frame to rock about a horizontal axis and h ingsupports thereon for the buttocks and feet, arranged on opposite sides of the rocking axis of tne member; a wheel on said frame adapted to be rotated; and levers connecting the buttocks support and the feet support on the pivoted member to the wheel whereby said wheel will be rotated by the weight of a person, supported by the buttocks and fee on the member, being moved, alternately,

back and forth in relation to the pivotal axis of the rocking member to produce a rocking action thereon.

4. An exercising device comprised of a frame; a member pivoted in relation to said frame to rock about a horizontal axis an having supports thereon, for the buttocks and.

feet, arranged on opposite'sides ofthe rockmg axis of the member; a wheel on said frame adapted to be rotated; levers connecting the buttocks support and; the feet support on the pivoted member to the wheel whereby said wheel Wlll be rotated by the weight of a person, supported by the buttocks feet on Cji alternate back and forth in relation to the pivotal is of the rocking; member to pro action thereon; and a tension rocking movement of the duce a rocki spring to I pivoted member.

6. An exercising device comp ed of a frame; a member pivoted l l frame to rock about a bouzontal axis and having supports therer for the buttocks and feet, arranged on opposite sides of the rocle ing axis of the member: a wheel on said frame adapted to be rotated; and levers connecting the pivoted member to the wheel whereby said wheel will be rotated by the weight of a person, supported by the buttocks and feet on the member, being" met d, alternately, back and forth in relation to the pivotal axis of the rocking member to produce a rocking action th ercon.

7. An exercising device comprised of a frame; a member pivoted in relation to said frame to rock about a horizontal axis and having supports thereon, for the buttocks an d feet, arranged on opposite sides of the rockmg axis of the member; a wheel on said frame adapted to be rotated: levers connecting the pivoted member to the wheel whereby said wheel will be rotated by the weight of a person, supported by the lmttocks and feet on the member, being moved, alternately, back and forth in relation to the pivotal axis of the rocking member to produce a rocking action thereon; and a hand support for the person. seated on the member to assist 1n positioning the body weight to rock the pivoted member. 7 i

8. An exercising device comprised of a frame; a member pivoted to said frame to rock about a horizontal axis and having supports thereon, for the buttocks and feet, arranged on opposite sides of the rocking axis of the member; an axle journaled in theframe; wheels secured to one end of the. frame; a crank on. the axle, to be actuated to rotate the axle and wheels; a lever connected to the buttockssupport and to the crank; and a lever connected to the feet support and crank, whereby the wheels will be rotated by the Weight of a person, supported by the buttocks and feet on the member, being moved, alternately, back and forth in relation to the pivotal axis of the rocking member to produce a rocking action thereon. 9. An exercising device comprised of a frame; a member pivoted to said frame to rock about a horizontal axis and having, supports thereon, for the buttocks and. feet, arranged on opposite si ice of the rocking ttXlS of the member; an axle journaled in the moved, alternately, back frame; wheels secured to opposite ends of the frame; a crank on the aXle,-.to be actuated to rotate the axle and wheels; a lever connectedtoi the buttocks support and to the crank; a lever connected to the feet support and crank, whereby the wheels will be rotated by the weie'l'it of a pers'ion, supported by the buttocks and feet on the member, being and forth in rela tion to the pivotal axis of the rocking; member to prods a rocking action thereon; a steerinfr post journaled in one end of the frame; and a wheel tobo moved by said post. 10. rlnevercis ngr device comprised of a frame having; driven wheels and a steering wheel thereon; means to rotate sai d driven wheels; means to move said steering wheel; a body support pivoted to said frame; a lever pivotally connected to the rear end of the body support and to the wheel rotating means whereby movement of the body support produces a rotary motion of the wheels; and a foot pedal connected tothc forward endof the body support and to said wheel rotating means to produce rotary motion of the wheels in conjunction with the rotary motion of the wheels initiated by the body support.

.11". An exercising device comprised of a frame; a member pivotedto said frame to rock about a horizontal axis and having supports thereon, forthe buttocks and feet, arranged on opposite sides of the rocking axis of the member; an axle journaled in the frame; a. wheel secured to the axle; a crankon the frame, to be actuated to rotate the axle and wheel, said crank having each of the oppositeends thereof bent to provide legs, each leg; having a throw arranged at the bend therein and a throw arranged at the free end thereof and bovine the outer end of the leg bent substantially tangentially to the orbit of revolution prescribed. by the throw on the innercnd of the leg; a lever connected to the buttocks support and to one of the throws on the leg; and a lever connected to the feet support and the other of the throws on the le whereby the wheels will be rotated by the weight of a person supported by the buttocks and feet on the member, being moved, alternately, back and forth in relation to the pivotal axis of the rocking member to produce a rocking action thereon.

12. An exercising device comprised of a frame; a seat pivoted to said frame to rock about a horizontal axis; a foot support lever depending from the forward end of said seat traction wheelsjournaled on the frame; a crank and gear mechanism on the frame to rotate the Wheels, said crank having each of the opposite ends thereof bent to provide legs, and each leg having the outer end thereof bent at an angle to the inner end thereof; and a link pivotally connected to the outer end of the leg and pivotally connected to the foot support, whereby said link lies in align- 'ment with the said foot lever to increase the leverage at the start of the application of 1 moving pressure applied to the crank and Wheel moving mechanism by the feet resting on the foot support.

13. An exercising devise comprising a stand, a fly Wheel rotatably supported thereon having the outer rim thereof spaced from i the floor, a member pivoted on the stand to rock about a horizontal axis and having supports thereon for thebuttocks and feet arranged on opposite sides of the rocking axis of the member, a rotary element connected to the rocking axis, and drivingly connected to the fly Wheel, means on said member to rotate said rotary element as the said member is rocked in opposite directions, whereby rotation isimparted to said fly Wheel.

- 14, An exercising device comprising a stand, a fly wheel journaled therein having the outer rim thereof spaced from the floor, a frame rockably mounted on the stand. so as to have a low fulcrum relatively to the floor, a seat arranged above the fulcrum of the frame, leg supports 0n theframe arranged at a levelbelow the seat, said seat and said leg being on opposite sides of the center of the fly Wheel, a crank shaft at the frame fulorum'to be rotated by the alternate rocking of the frame; a Wheel on said crank shaft spaced from the floor and connected to the fly Wheel to impart rotation to the fly Wheel as the crank shaft is rotated.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set v w my hand at San Francisco, California, this 10th day of June, 1929.

JOSEPH D; BELL 

